Items of Interest – Ordinary Council Meeting, 16 April 2025

The following items were addressed at the Ordinary Meeting of Mareeba Shire Council on Wednesday, 16 April 2025.

Mareeba Shire Council Delivers Record Investment in Parks and Open Spaces

At the April Council Meeting, Councillors marked a major milestone in enhancing the region’s liveability and natural appeal, with the successful implementation of its Parks and Open Spaces Strategy 2022–2031 and accompanying Three-Year Action Plan, adopted in February 2022.

Developed through a comprehensive community engagement and internal consultation process, the long-term Strategy sets out a clear vision to support active lifestyles, drive economic development, and improve the overall visual character of the Shire.

To support early implementation, Council introduced a Three-Year Action Plan focused on delivering high-impact, priority projects—many of which have now been completed or are well underway.

Highlights of the Action Plan include:

• A brand-new splash park for families to enjoy at the Mareeba Aquatic Centre
• Upgrades to playgrounds and active recreation facilities across the Shire
• Enhancements to the popular Mareeba Rail Trail
• Revitalisation of the Bicentennial Lakes precinct
• Streetscape improvements, park upgrades, and new walking pathways across the Shire

These projects represent a record level of investment in local parks and open spaces, delivered with no additional cost to ratepayers.

“Through this Strategy and Action Plan, Council has delivered real improvements to the spaces our community values most,” said Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin.

“We are proud of the progress we have made, and we look forward to continuing this important work.”

Moving forward, any outstanding projects will continue to be tracked and reported via the monthly Capital Works Program report. Some projects include an improved playground at Geraghty Park in Julatten, upgrades to the northern section of Bicentennial Lakes in Mareeba and ongoing works in Coondoo Street in Kuranda.

For more information about Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, visit Parks & Open Spaces Strategy & Action Plan – Mareeba Shire Council.

 

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Capital Works Projects Progressing Across Mareeba Shire

Mareeba Shire Council is continuing to deliver critical infrastructure upgrades across the region, with a number of significant capital works projects making solid progress despite recent weather challenges.

Herberton/Constance Street Intersection Upgrade

Jointly funded by the Queensland Government through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS), the Herberton and Constance Street intersection is undergoing a full upgrade to improve safety and traffic flow.

Key works include the installation of a new roundabout, traffic islands, kerbing, footpath extensions, and light pole relocations.

As of March, footpath and kerb ramp works have been completed or are nearing completion on three sides of the intersection, and the concrete roundabout and kerbing have been poured.

The project has experienced some delays due to wet weather, with practical completion now anticipated by mid-May 2025, weather permitting.

Coondoo Street and Centenary Park Kuranda Streetscape Enhancements

Significant streetscape upgrades are underway in Kuranda as part of the Kuranda Township Infrastructure Masterplan 2021–2031.

Completed works include footpath and concrete slab repairs around Centenary Park and the start of planter box improvements.

The fig trees have been trimmed in line with arborist recommendations, and the installation of upgraded heritage-style LED streetlights has been completed along upper Coondoo Street.

The new lighting will support nighttime activity and events in the village.

Further upgrades to lower Coondoo Street lighting by Ergon Energy are scheduled for later in 2025.

Chewko Road Rehabilitation, Widen and Seal

Also supported by TIDS funding, this Local Roads of Regional Significance (LRRS) project involves the rehabilitation and widening of a section of Chewko Road in Mareeba.

Major works include water main relocation, drainage improvements, and road widening and sealing.
Progress to date includes the completion of drainage on the Borzi Park side, shoulder rebuilds on both sides of the road, and the placement and compaction of subbase and base gravel.

Practical completion is now estimated for mid-April 2025.

Water Main Renewal Program (Stage 2)

As part of Council’s 10-year water strategy, ageing asbestos cement water mains are being replaced at five locations across Mareeba. Stage 2 commenced in March and has seen good progress, with the section near the Rankin and Byrnes Street carpark already completed and works have now started at Hort Street.

Constance Street Footpath and Carparking Project

This pedestrian safety project—funded through the School Transport Infrastructure Program and Council—has now been completed.

Works included the construction of a new footpath link on Constance Street, new kerbing and channeling, and formal car parking bays to improve safety during school drop-off and pick-up times.

This initiative supports safer travel for schoolchildren and their families and contributes to the broader goals of the Mareeba Walking Network Plan.

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